Menu

The President's Bulletin

picture

The President’s Bulletin is a bi-weekly publication created to keep students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, friends, and others informed about the latest news at Downstate Health Sciences University. We hope you enjoy reading the articles and find them informative and useful.

Featured Article

Dr Riley

A Message from President Riley

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

At Downstate, collaboration is more than a value. It is the force that turns vision into progress. This edition of the Bulletin shares examples of how connection across generations, disciplines, and communities is shaping the future of health.

Read More

John Larosa, MD, FACP

Tribute to John C. LaRosa, M.D., FACP

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

I was saddened to learn of the passing of John C. LaRosa, M.D., FACP, 15th president of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University from 1999 to 2012. Dr. LaRosa was a respected Professor of Medicine and Public Health whose leadership left an indelible...

Read More

Downstate Honors

More than 12,000 Years of Dedication to Downstate

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

Twelve thousand years of service—an extraordinary measure of loyalty, skill, and heart—were celebrated at Downstate between 2023 and 2025. Throughout this period, 608 colleagues were honored for their collective contributions to the strength...

Read More

Tags: Awards, Faculty / Staff

Folate and Autism Research

Downstate Folate and Autism Research Goes National

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

Recent media coverage has focused on leucovorin (folinic acid) as a possible treatment for autism. While the headlines may be new, the science behind them is not. At the heart of this story is Edward V. Quadros, Ph.D., Research Professor of Medicine...

Read More

Tags: Research

Thomas Wallach

Breakthrough to Boost Breastfeeding Success

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

Congratulations to Thomas Wallach, M.D., Assistant Professor, Research Director, and Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology, and Suzanna L. Attia, M.D., Kentucky Children’s Hospital, on their $2.5 million NIH R01 Research Project Grant to lead a Brooklyn-based...

Read More

Tags: Research

BK SWAG Group Photo

From Locker Room to Lab: Connecting Sports and Science

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

The Office for Institutional Equity launched the fourth cohort of the Brooklyn Scholar-Athletes with Academic Goals (BK-SWAG) program, a four-week summer initiative established in 2021 to help high school students channel their passion for sports...

Read More

Logo

Downstate/UAlbany Debut AI Mental Health Tools at Global Summit

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

On September 19, Downstate joined prestigious partners at the SUNY Global Center in Manhattan for the inaugural Annual Summit of the Global Center for AI in Mental Health (GCAIMH), titled “Resilient Innovation in Mental Health Through AI and Global...

Read More

Tags: AI, Wellness

Autism Banner

Autism Awareness Fair Ignites Joy, Connection, and Practical Support for Neurodiverse Families

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Downstate welcomed children, teens, adults with autism, family members, clinicians, and neighborhood partners for the 2025 Autism Resource and Awareness Fair. Organized by the Department of Pediatrics’ Division of...

Read More

Tags: Community Health and Wellness, Downstate Health

Shout Outs

Shout Outs

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

Read More

In Case You Missed it

In Case You Missed It

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

Read More

Dr Riley

A Message from President Riley

by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025

This October, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University reflects on the challenges and progress shaping our service, education, and care mission.

Read More

Tags: Presidents Office

photo of Vikram Pagpatan

From Equity to AI Innovation: Dr. Vikram Pagpatan Named SUNY Fellow

by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025

Downstate proudly congratulates Vikram Pagpatan, Ed.D., OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA, ATP, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy and Admissions Coordinator, on being named to the inaugural class of SUNY’s AI for the Public Good Fellows.

Read More

Tags: School of Health Professions

photo of Randall Barbour, PhD

Wearable Imaging Innovation Brings New Hope for Breast Cancer Detection

by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025

Research at Downstate is propelling fNIRS toward use as a widely accessible diagnostic technology. Led by Randall Barbour, Ph.D., professor of pathology and principal investigator of the Optical Tomography Group.

Read More

Tags: Research

photo of two doctors

Downstate Faculty Lead Landmark National Study on Amputation Trends

by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025

Congratulations to Panos Kougias, M.D., MSc, FACS, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Clarence and Mary Dennis Professor of Surgery, Sherene Sharath Ph.D., MPH, Director of Research for the Department of Surgery, and their colleagues on the publication...

Read More

Tags: Keep Care Close, Research

rooftop air quality installation

Breathing New Life Into Patient Care with $10M Air Quality Upgrade

by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025

We celebrate the completion of a four-year, $10 million investment to modernize the air handling systems at University Hospital at Downstate (UHD), an achievement that enhances patient safety, strengthens staff well-being, and positions the hospital...

Read More

Tags: Capital Improvements

group photo from event

Wellness Meets Family Fun at Downstate’s Signature Health Fair

by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025

University Hospital Physicians teamed up with NY State Senator Zellnor Myrie to transform the campus into a lively hub of health, wellness, and fun at the fourth annual Healthy Lifestyle Fair and Family Day, drawing families together–from kids...

Read More

Tags: Health Fair, Keep Care Close

White Coat Ceremony

The First Coat, The First Step: Welcoming the College of Medicine Class of 2029

by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025

Last Friday, more than 200 new students in the College of Medicine’s Class of 2029 donned their first white coats during Downstate’s 31st Annual White Coat Ceremony. Standing with them in the moment was a reminder that the White Coat is more...

Read More

Tags: Events, White Coat Ceremony

Climate Change Article Cover

Tackling Climate Change Through Public Health

by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025

Climate change is more than an environmental crisis; it is a critical public health emergency. Rising heat, worsening air quality, and frequent floods fuel higher asthma rates, increasing heat-related illnesses, and straining hospital systems. Beyond...

Read More

Tags: Research, School of Public Health

Shout Outs

Shout Outs

by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025

Read More

In Case You Missed it

In Case You Missed It

by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025

Read More

Dr Riley

A Message from President Riley

by Office of the President - September 9 , 2025

As we begin a new academic year, I am pleased to welcome our returning students, faculty, and staff and warmly welcome the new students joining each of our colleges at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Downstate).

Read More

New Faculty

New Faculty Enhance Downstate’s Research Leadership

by Office of the President - September 9 , 2025

We are proud to welcome an inspiring group of new faculty members whose expertise and vision will enrich our institution and expand our impact. Their arrival signals more than just individual appointments; it reflects Downstate’s ability to attract...

Read More